The Kingdom of Spain is a Parliamentary Monarchy. National legislative powers are exercised by the Cortes Generales, as set out by the 1978 Constitution. The 16 Autonomous Communities also exercise legislative powers, through their own Parliamentary Assemblies, in compliance with the Constitution and their Regional Basic Laws. Spain joined what is today known as the European Union in 1986.

THE CORTES GENERALES AT A GLANCE

The Cortes Generales is made up of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.

The Congress of Deputies has 350 Members elected by universal, free, equal, direct and secret suffrage on a four year term.

The Senate is the Chamber of territorial representation. Most Senators are elected by universal suffrage, and some are appointed by the Legislative Assemblies of the Autonomous Communities.

EU MATTERS

The Joint Committee for European Union Affairs, which is made up of Parliamentarians of both Chambers, have the statutory aim of ensuring the adequate participation of the Cortes Generales regarding draft legislative acts from the European Commission, as well as ensuring that the Cortes Generales receives the most comprehensive information on the activities of the European Union.

The Joint Committee is entitled, on behalf of the Cortes Generales, to scrutinise draft legislative acts in compliance with the Protocol (nº2) on the Application of the Principles of Subsidiarity and Proportionality.